Past Events

Press Media Library Event Report

Countering 21st Century Upheavals with Innovation and Dialogue

November 06, 2019

Representatives from businesses, media, policymakers and think tanks will join forces at the 13th Transatlantic Business Conference held by the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany (AmCham Germany) to discuss the economic and political challenges of the 21st century.

In conjunction with event partners, Commerzbank and Deloitte; media partner, DIE WELT; and co-organizer, the Federation of German Industries (BDI); 250 participants from all fields will meet today in Berlin and work on finding solutions for the challenges of global competitiveness. In addition to the transatlantic business relationship, topics will include the current relationship to China and the business industry's capacity for innovation.

"In order to stay competitive in the future, we must work together instead of against each other"

The opening remarks will be given by Thomas Bareiß, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. "The Transatlantic Business Conference offers an excellent platform to discuss the current developments in the transatlantic economy,” explains State Secretary Bareiß. "In order to stay competitive in the future, we must work together instead of against each other. Our prosperous companies on both sides of the Atlantic and our tightly knit trade and investment relationship are proof of our successful partnership. We would like to further mutually deepen the trade relationship to the United States and work together to stabilize and create a rule-based framework for international trade. Not only do we see the transatlantic partnership as a solely economic area, but above all a community of shared values."

"We must work together to stabilize the transatlantic partnership"

Joschka Fischer, the former Foreign Minister of Germany and member of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, will also be attending the conference. “The transatlantic relationship has long been taken for granted. That is why both sides of the Atlantic must work together to strengthen and stabilize the foundation of this crucial relationship. It is important that organizations such as AmCham Germany create a platform for a dialogue between the US, EU and Germany so that all parties can work on solutions for the future of the transatlantic partnership.”

The focal point of this year’s conference revolves around how politics and business should handle the effects of protectionism and changes in the global trading system. "The current uncertain times for businesses calls for dialogue, international cooperation and a common understanding of the tasks that the transatlantic relationship makes possible," remarks Frank Sportolari, President of AmCham Germany. "As AmCham Germany, we can aid in the creation of a sustainable and balanced environment that facilitates productive exchange; an environment that supports economic growth, innovation, and prosperity.

Among the speakers of the 13th Transatlantic Business Conference are Sabine Bendiek, Managing Director at Microsoft Deutschland GmbH, Ralf Brinkmann, President - DACH, Central Europe & Russia, Managing Director Dow Germany, Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General, Mark HauptmannMdB, Head of the "Junge Gruppe" (Young Group) of CDU/CSU Parliamentary Fraktion, Dr. Thomas Hueck, Chief Economist at Robert Bosch GmbH, Gordon Riske, the CEO of the KION Group and many more.

The event can be followed on social media through the Hashtag #TransatlanticBusinessConference.

The press release in German can be found here. The full conference program can be found here. You can subscribe to our new newsletterhere.

If you would like to receive last minute accreditation for the conference, please contact: